US Deploys Additional Missile Batteries to Protect Middle East Energy Facilities

The US has sent two additional Patriot missile batteries to Saudi Arabia and Qatar in recent weeks to protect their oil and gas facilities, according to Axios. This move comes as part of a larger effort by the US to reassure these countries that their key energy facilities will be protected in case major combat operations resume within the region.

In August, concerns over Iranian strikes were a key reason why US President Donald Trump decided not to attack and instead rely on economic pressure. The US would need Saudi Arabia's permission to use its airspace for any major combat operations to resume.

The deployment of these additional missile batteries is part of a broader increase in the US military presence in the Middle East, with a third aircraft carrier and a second Marine division being sent to the region.